In response, Sierra Club Executive Director Michael Brune issued the following statement:

“We strongly disagree with this decision to delay the Clean Water Rule. The Clean Water Rule — issued by the Environmental Protection Agency earlier this year – is a thoughtful, transparent and scientifically-based safeguard that simply reaffirms longstanding federal protections for many of our nation’s waters. In a few weeks the Clean Water Act turns 43 years old. But, prior to the Clean Water Rule, two conflicting Supreme Court cases created loopholes that polluters have exploited for more than a decade. The Clean Water Rule is a necessary step forward to restore protections to our nation’s rivers, streams and wetlands to ensure that we do not return to the days of when our waters were so polluted they literally caught on fire. We respectfully object to this decision because we strongly believe we move forward to clarify the Clean Water Act and to protect the drinking water sources for 117 million Americans.”

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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.4 million members and supporters nationwide. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org.